A*STAR launches new future of manufacturing initiatives at Industrial Transformation Asia Pacific 2019

At the annual Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific (ITAP) 2019 from 22 to 24 October, A*STAR launched its latest future of manufacturing initiatives:

• A hyper-personalised manufacturing initiative for the fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) sector;
• A learning platform that aims to digitally connect smart factories for sharing Industry 4.0 best practices

Speaking at the opening ceremony, DPM Heng Swee Keat emphasised Singapore’s efforts to transform its manufacturing sector, and the need for close partnerships between academia and industry players for innovation, a key thrust under RIE 2020. He also announced the launch of the Jurong Innovation District (JID), which aims to bring the advanced manufacturing ecosystem together in a single district to create a one-stop manufacturing campus, and where A*STAR research institutes Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and National Metrology Centre (NMC) will move in. A*STAR will also build its new next generation hyper personalisation line there.

Production for a batch of one: A*STAR kicks off hyper-personalised manufacturing

Today’s consumers expect products that can be customised to their preferences. A*STAR’s latest industry initiative will help companies develop new capabilities and transform processes to tailor production for each customer’s specific, real-time demand. It will also provide a platform for companies to test-bed these solutions before implementing them in factories. In partnership with industry players, A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing Technology Centre (ARTC) will build a smart, scalable, flexible, modular and digitally integrated line powered by automation and end-to-end connectivity at the JID.

As part of this initiative, A*STAR unveiled its next-generation hyper-personalisation line enabled by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for the fast moving consumer goods sector. ARTC is currently working with 10 companies to develop solutions, including multinational companies that would be end users, such as P&G, and local SMEs that are system integrators or technology providers like M8M and Arcstone.

A*STAR & SPETA roll out new learning platform for Industry 4.0 best practices

Companies can also look forward to a new platform that allows them to discover fresh approaches to digital manufacturing, and explore how these could be applied in their factories for higher productivity.

A*STAR’s SIMTech and the Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA) launched a learning platform that aims to digitally connect smart factories so companies across industries can learn Industry 4.0 best practices. 13 organisations across industry and institutes of higher learning signed memoranda of understanding with SIMTech and SPETA to join the initiative, known as the Digital Ecosystem of Model Factories Initiative.

Media coverage:

• The Business Times: S$38m initiative for hyper-personalised manufacturing among new Industry 4.0 moves

• The Straits Times: Firms work with A*Star to roll out personalised production

• Channel News Asia: A*STAR initiative helps companies bring hyper-personalisation to consumers

• The Straits Times: Skincare brand turns to AI to boost speed of packing line

• The Straits Times: A*STAR launches Digital Ecosystem of Model Factories Initiative